Job 11:1
Job 11:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
Then Zophar the Naamathite made answer and said,
Then Zophar the Naamathite began speaking and said,
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and sayde,
And Zophar the Naamathite answereth and saith: —
Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,
Then Sophar the Naamathite answered, and said:
Then Zophar, from the Naamah area, said this to Job:
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 11:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 11:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ֭/יַּעַן
צֹפַ֥ר
הַֽ/נַּעֲמָתִ֗י
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ֭/יַּעַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
צֹפַ֥ר
Tsôwphar
H6691
Zophar
N-proper
הַֽ/נַּעֲמָתִ֗י
Naʻămâthîy
H5284
Naamathite
Art | Ngmsa
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 11:1
וַ֭/יַּעַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
צֹפַ֥ר
Tsôwphar
H6691
"Zophar"
N-proper
Zophar was a friend of Job, who visited him during his time of suffering. Zophar's name means sparrow, and he was one of three friends who tried to comfort Job. Zophar spoke to Job in the book of Job.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Job.2.11 § Zophar = "sparrow" the 3rd friend of Job
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Zophar. See also: Job 2:11; Job 20:1; Job 42:9.
הַֽ/נַּעֲמָתִ֗י
Naʻămâthîy
H5284
"Naamathite"
Art | Ngmsa
A Naamathite is someone from Naamah, a place of pleasantness. This term is used to describe Zophar, a friend of Job, who is mentioned in Job 2:11 as a Naamathite.
Definition: Someone descended from Naamath(?), first mentioned at Job.2.11 § Naamathite, of Naamah "pleasantness" an inhabitant of Naamah ; describes Zophar the friend of Job
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Naamathite. See also: Job 2:11; Job 20:1; Job 42:9.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Job 11:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 11:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 11:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 11:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 11:1
- Sermons on Job 11:1
Context — Zophar Rebukes Job
1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? 3Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 2:11 | Now when Job’s three friends—Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite—heard about all this adversity that had come upon him, each of them came from his home, and they met together to go and sympathize with Job and comfort him. |
| 2 | Job 20:1 | Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: |
Job 11:1 Summary
This verse, Job 11:1, marks the beginning of Zophar's response to Job, and it shows that Zophar is ready to speak his mind and share his thoughts, but as we see in the rest of the book of Job, his words are not always wise or helpful, and this serves as a reminder to approach conversations with humility and a willingness to listen, as encouraged in James 1:19-20. As we reflect on Zophar's introduction, we can learn the importance of listening before speaking, as noted in Proverbs 18:13, and cultivating humility in our conversations, as seen in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3. By doing so, we can avoid speaking without understanding and instead offer words that are wise and helpful, as guided by the wisdom found in Psalms 37:30-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zophar the Naamathite and why is he important in the book of Job?
Zophar is one of Job's friends who comes to comfort him, as seen in Job 2:11, and his response in Job 11:1 marks the beginning of his attempt to speak wisdom and guidance to Job, although his approach is often misguided, as noted in Job 42:7-9, where God rebukes him and Job's other friends for their lack of understanding.
What can we learn from Zophar's introduction in this verse?
We can learn that sometimes, our desire to respond or react to a situation can lead us to speak without fully understanding the context, as Zophar does here, and this can be seen as a cautionary tale, reminiscent of the wisdom found in Proverbs 18:13, which warns against answering before listening.
How does Zophar's response relate to the rest of the book of Job?
Zophar's response in Job 11:1 sets the stage for the ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, highlighting the themes of suffering, justice, and the nature of God, which are central to the book of Job, and are also explored in other biblical texts, such as Psalms 73:1-28 and Romans 8:18-39.
What does Zophar's reply reveal about his character?
Zophar's reply in Job 11:1 reveals that he is confident in his own understanding and is not afraid to speak his mind, but this confidence can also be seen as arrogance, as noted in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, where the apostle Paul warns against knowledge that puffs up, and this is a cautionary tale for all believers to approach conversations with humility and a willingness to listen, as seen in James 1:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have spoken without fully understanding the situation, and how can I apply the lesson from Zophar's introduction to my own life?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth with the need to listen and understand, as seen in the contrast between Zophar's response and the wisdom found in Proverbs 18:13?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate humility in my conversations, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 and James 1:19-20, and how can I apply this to my relationships with others?
- How does Zophar's response in Job 11:1 relate to my own experiences of struggling with questions and doubts, and how can I find comfort and guidance in the midst of these struggles, as seen in Psalms 73:1-28 and Romans 8:18-39?
Gill's Exposition on Job 11:1
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite,.... The third of Job's friends, that came to visit him, [See comments on Job 2:11]; and who perhaps might be the youngest, since his turn was to speak last; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:1
Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:1
Job 11:1 Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,Ver. 1. Then answered Zophar the Naamathite] With a most bitter invective, savouring more of passion than charity. Zophar rejoineth, or rather revileth innocent Job, misinterpreting his meaning, Job 11:4, and laying to his charge, 1. Loquacity, or talkativeness; 2. Lying; 3. Scoffing at God’ s good providence, and men’ s good counsel; 4. Self-conceitedness and arrogance, besides rashness, boldness, &c. For want of better arguments against him, he falls foul upon him in this sort. And if the adversaries of the truth do the like by us (as our Saviour saith they will, Matthew 5:11, and as himself, after Job and many other of his members, had the experience of it), we must not be overly troubled. Zophar signifieth a watcher, he watched for Job’ s halting, and took him up before he was down; he is styled the Naamathite from Naamah (a city in the land of Uz, eighteen miles from Job’ s Pyramis, saith Adricomius), which signifieth fair.
But he dealeth not so fair with his friend as had been fit, for he giveth him no honour or respect at all, but treateth him with singular sharpness and violence, or rather virulence, of speech: hear him else.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 11:1
XI.(1) Zophar, the third of Job’s friends, has a clearly defined character, distinct from that of the others; he is the ordinary and common-place moral man, who expresses the thoughts and instincts of the many. Eliphaz was the poet and spiritual man, who sees visions and dreams; Bildad was the man who rested on authority and appealed to tradition; Zophar is the man of worldly wisdom and common sense. In some respects he is the most offensive of the three. He is astonished that Job has not been silenced by the replies of the other two, and thinks he can do no less than help to silence him. Thus he at once begins with “a multitude of words,” and “full of talk,” and “lies,” and “mockery.” Zophar stands on a lower level, and drags Job down to it. He refracts his protestations of innocence against himself, and charges him with iniquity in making them. His longing also to come into judgment with God (Job 9:32) he turns back upon himself, being confident that it could not fail to convict him were he to do so.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:1
CHAPTER XI Zophar answers Job, and reproves him severely for his attempts to justify himself; charges him with secret iniquity, and contends that God inflicts less punishment on him than his iniquities deserve, 1-6. Shows the knowledge and perfections of God to be unsearchable, and that none can resist his power, 7-11. Warns him against vanity of mind, and exhorts him to repentance on the ground that his acceptance with God is still a possible case, and that his latter days may yet become happy and prosperous, 12-20. NOTES ON CHAP. XI Verse 1. Zophar the Naamathite] Of this man and his friends, see Job 2:11. He is the most inveterate of Job's accusers, and generally speaks without feeling or pity. In sour godliness he excelled all the rest. This chapter and the twentieth comprehends all that he said. He was too crooked to speak much in measured verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 11:1
ZOPHAR’S FIRST ADDRESS.1. Then answered Zophar — Eliphaz had modestly confirmed his views by an appeal to the revelation of a spirit; Bildad, by recourse to the wisdom of the ancients; Zophar, the
Sermons on Job 11:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Counsel Based on Logic Alone by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp discusses the character of Zophar, who represents dogmatic reasoning based on personal intuition rather than a true understanding of God's nature. Zophar's rigid concl |
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Needed: True Friends by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of true friendship in times of distress, using the story of Job and his friends as a cautionary tale. While Job's friends initially showed |